Anti-money laundering information for prospective clients

In the United Kingdom, and the other jurisdictions in which we operate, laws and regulations are designed to combat money laundering. Broadly, money laundering can arise if a person acquires, retains, transfers, uses or controls the proceeds of a crime for the benefit of a criminal activity. References to money laundering include references to terrorism.

In order to fulfil our obligations we are obliged to verify the identity of new clients, and in certain circumstances existing clients. In addition, our internal requirements from time to time may require that we conduct background checks on new or existing clients. These may necessitate verification procedures of the identity and good standing of clients, one or more of their directors or employees or other representatives. This includes the identity of clients' or potential clients' shareholders, beneficial owners, management, directors or officers and/or other relevant information. This may possibly include evidence of source of funds, at the outset of and possibly from time to time throughout our relationship with clients, which we may request and/or obtain from third party sources. The sources for such verification may comprise documentation which we request from the prospective client or through the use of online sources or both.

In some circumstances we may decline to, or may not be permitted to, proceed to act until such procedures have been completed. In other circumstances we may agree to commence acting whilst these procedures are carried out. We reserve the right to decline to act or, if appropriate, cease to act should these procedures not be completed to our satisfaction. We may also be required to make detailed enquiries of any unusual transactions such as the transfer of large amounts of cash.

Where we instruct counsel or other professionals on behalf of clients they may request us to provide them with copies of evidence of identity of clients or their representatives which we have obtained from you or from other sources. We will be entitled to send such copies to them if we so decide, unless the client specifically advises us not to do so.

Prospective clients

In the case of information which may be given to us by you as a prospective client, or as an existing client in respect of a prospective transaction, dispute or other matter, we will assume unless you notify us to the contrary before the relevant information is given to us and we accept the position, that (a) such information is not confidential and accordingly you will not seek to restrict us from acting for any other person or disclosing such information to any client or prospective client, whether or not in respect of any matter in which you may be involved or may have an interest, unless you become a client in which case relevant rules concerning conflicts of interest and confidentiality will apply, (b) such information is not subject to confidentiality obligations owed to a third party or (c) if such information is subject to a confidentiality obligation owed to a third party that it is not being given to us in breach of such obligation.

Information collection and use via email

To the extent permitted by law, we may monitor electronic communications for the purposes of ensuring compliance with our legal and regulatory obligations and internal policies.

We may also collect email traffic headers ("from", "to" and timestamp fields) for analysing patterns of network traffic and managing client relationships, although please note that any communications with e-mail addresses which are not associated with a company e-mail address are automatically excluded.

Information collection and use through our website

You do not have to give us any personal information in order to use most of this website. However, if you wish to take advantage of some of the more special, personalised services that we make available, or apply to join Bird & Bird, you will need to provide certain information.

Bird & Bird is the sole owner of the information collected on this website. We do not sell, share, or transfer this information, except as set out in this statement. We use your information to improve our marketing, for administration and to provide legal services. If necessary, we may pass your information between our offices. Our offices are listed on this website and the list is updated as appropriate. We may employ the services of a third party to help us in certain areas, such as website hosting. In some cases that third party may receive your information. Furthermore, we may be required to disclose your information by any applicable law or regulation. However, at all times Bird & Bird will control and be responsible for the use of your information.

The types of information we collect through our website are described below. By using our website you consent to the collection and use of any personal information in the manner described.

Newsletters

To subscribe for newsletters and news updates please register by completing our subscription form. To unsubscribe, either update your details via the subscription form or email us at unsubscribe@twobirds.com.

For marketing purposes, we may monitor whether you open and/or click on URLs in our newsletters. If you want to stop us doing this, click through the preference centre link in any newsletter and select the option 'Remove tracking'.

Events registration

To register as a delegate for an event you must complete a registration form. During registration you are required to give your contact information (such as name, address, phone number and email address). This information enables us to process and fulfil your enrolment online so that we can contact you about the events for which you have expressed interest. Optionally, you may provide demographic information (such as company name and position). If you do provide such information we are able to use it to provide a more personalized experience on our website.

Recruitment

To apply for a training contract or summer placement online you will need to complete an online application form. The form asks you to enter information about your education, employment history and similar matters. This allows our recruitment personnel to make an informed decision as to whether to proceed with your application. Where the information provided is sensitive (such as your racial background or your state of health) you expressly consent to our use of the information to assess your application and to allow us to carry out equal opportunities monitoring. Please note that the internet may not be as secure as other communication methods, if you prefer you may print out the application form and post or fax it to us at 12 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1JP, fax number 020 7415 6111.

To apply for any other positions with the firm you may supply us with your email address. This will trigger an email from us to you inviting you to send your curriculum vitae. Any information you send us for the purpose of a job application will be treated by us with the greatest care and for that purpose only.

In acknowledging an application Bird & Bird is not verifying the content, accepting the application or making any offer of employment or engagement. Bird & Bird is not obliged to accept any applications.

Bird & Bird is an equal opportunity employer, in accordance with applicable legislation, and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis covered by local legislations. All employment related decisions are made entirely on merit.

Cookies

A cookie is a piece of data stored on a user's hard drive containing information about the user. The information below explains the cookies we use on our website and why we use them:

Google Analytics cookies: we use these cookies to collect information about how visitors use our website, including details of the site where the visitor has come from and the total number of times a visitor has been to our website. We use the information to improve our website and enhance the experience of its visitors.

ASP.Net cookie: we use this cookie to allow visitors to view the website without logging in as a registered user. Once you close your browser, the cookie is deactivated.

Local Shared Objects (Flash cookies): we use Adobe Flash Player to deliver certain content. Local Shared Objects, otherwise known as Flash cookies, are used for this in order to check if your browser supports Flash.

You can enable or disable cookies by modifying the settings in your browser. You can find out how to do this, and find more information on cookies, at: www.allaboutcookies.org.

Links

This website contains links to other websites. Please note that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this website.

This policy does not form a contract between an individual and Bird & Bird. The policy may also be subject to change. Whenever you need to refer to this policy you should contact us for the most up to date version.

Contact us

have any questions in relation to the information concerning privacy and personal information;

then we ask that you contact us using our contact form and we will take reasonable steps to resolve those concerns as soon as practicable. In some cases we may not be able to give you access to personal information we hold regarding you if making such a disclosure would breach our legal obligations to our client or if prevented by any applicable law or regulation.